YRF Entertainment to remake 'Kahaani' as 'Deity' in English

YRF Entertainment, the international arm of Indian production giant Yash Raj Films Friday announced that it will remake the critically acclaimed and commercially successful Sujoy Ghosh-directed and Vidya Balan-starrer "Kahaani" for international audiences as "Deity".

The remake will be directed by Niels Arden Oplev of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" fame, while Jose Rivera ("The Motorcycle Diaries") and Richard Regen ("Tehran"), have scripted the adaptation.

"Deity" is a thriller about an American woman who goes to Kolkata in search of her missing husband. As she gets closer to the truth, she finds herself at the centre of a dangerous conspiracy. The story unfolds in the context of a colourful, week-long festival.

The international movie will be financed and produced by YRF Entertainment, and starts production in February 2015. It will be shot on location in Kolkata.

Oplev guarantees that the movie will be a compelling and exciting thriller with complex and interesting characters.

"A neo-realistic style to story and images will take the audience deep into Kolkata many different levels. A fascinating clash between American and Indian culture," Oplev said in a statement.

Uday Chopra, CEO, YRF Entertainment, is confident that Niels is "the perfect director to transform the appeal of 'Kahaani' to 'Deity'".

"Niels has an elevated understanding of both international thrillers and strong female characters and his vision for capturing the vibrancy and energy of contemporary Kolkata will appeal to audiences in the US and worldwide," Chopra said.

Ghosh, who directed the original, has hailed the "incredible step" by YRF.

"Years back Aditya Chopra had said he wanted to make 'Kahaani' for a global audience? I thought he was kidding. But obviously not. YRF has left no stone unturned on making the English version. The new script is perfectly suited for the Western audience and what I am really looking forward is to see Niels direct this version," he said in a statement.

"I'm sure he will bring a unique vision to the Western version," Ghosh added.